Looking for Activities for Aging Loved Ones? Try the Library
Elder Care in Buffalo Grove IL: Activities at the Library
Even though you’ve done a fine job of lining up activities to keep your elderly loved one busy and fulfilled, there are always those days where there’s not much going on. In that case, it’s the perfect day to go to your community library. Today’s libraries are much more than shelves of books—they are a community center with lots of activities for all ages, especially seniors.
Libraries across the country are focusing on providing services for elderly people that go way beyond supplying reading material. Many libraries include lectures, performances, films, book clubs and classes that cater to senior interests. Not only does the additional activity benefit the elderly community, but it brings new life and vitality to the library programs.
With a recent focus on aging populations in the community, libraries everywhere are focusing on what seniors might want. Many libraries are increasing the amount of large print publications for seniors with diminishing eyesight and offer seniors-only computer stations. Whether it’s a rural library that serves several counties or a large metro library system, there’s sure to be plenty of activities and events that seniors might like to attend. As a family caregiver, you can lay the groundwork for getting your elderly loved one to the library and involved in the robust programs they have there.
Here are just a few examples of possible library activities geared toward seniors:
- Senior book clubs. These are regularly scheduled meetings usually with a moderator that guides the discussion about various aspects of the assigned book. Participants are encouraged to add their opinions and engage in spirited dialogue about the plot, characters, and resolutions.
- Art classes. Many libraries are welcoming teaching artists to hold classes for participants. From jewelry making and painting to textile arts and sculpture, art classes are a wonderful way for seniors to develop new hobbies.
- Computer classes. Many seniors are fearful of learning new technology, but the easy-to-understand computer classes held at many libraries are geared toward beginners that just want to become knowledgeable.
- Oral history projects. Many historians use the local libraries as a place to record and document oral histories from some of the community’s oldest residents and organize meetup groups to talk about the town’s past, genealogy, or similar interests.
- Reading tutors. Libraries are big on literacy and many ask for senior volunteers to help non-native speakers, children and others with reading groups.
- Lectures and presentations. Bigger libraries often have an auditorium or community center where invited guests—like university professors, activists, authors and more—can give lectures that are of interest to seniors.
- Health and wellness classes. Seniors can benefit from courses on exercise, nutrition education, mental health and more.
- Hobby groups. Libraries can provide places for hobby groups to meet up, plan activities, exchange information and further develop their passion.
Elderly loved ones that don’t have easy access to a senior center can take advantage of all that the local library has to offer. If your schedule conflicts with the meeting or event, arrange for transportation or an elder care assistant or other family member. If your library focuses on the needs of the elderly, your loved one will be able to enjoy a number of different activities beyond checking out books.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Source:
https://publiclibrariesonline.org/tag/senior-programming/
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